DOBELL DRAWING PRIZE
NATIONAL ART SCHOOL
The new Dobell Drawing Prize takes place in alternative years to the Dobell Australian Drawing Biennial at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Both exhibitions affirm the Dobell Foundation’s commitment to support the development of drawing as a medium in its own right, and a fundamental element of the visual arts. The inaugural exhibition at the National Art School of The Dobell Drawing Prize took place from 28 March to 25 May 2019.
Chairman of The Sir William Dobell Art Foundation Karen Wann said: “This partnership will be building on a long-standing relationship that we have with the National Art School. It continues to evolve, having commenced with the Dobell Drawing School for Year 11 students more than 20 years ago, and later with the Teach the Teacher program providing professional development for regional teachers. The Dobell Drawing Prize will further enhance our support across a number of initiatives that support art, artists and art education.
Steven Alderton, Director of the National Art School said: “The National Art School is delighted to be working with the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation on this very important Prize and exhibition. Drawing is absolutely central to the National Art School’s curriculum, so the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the many facets of contemporary drawing practice is welcomed. We are very much looking forward to working with the Foundation on the Prize and exhibition and offering artists another forum to explore the dynamic medium of drawing.”


Dobell Drawing Prize #22 exhibition view, March 2021 Photo: Peter Morgan
DOBELL DRAWING PRIZE #23
Entries Now Open
The Dobell Drawing Prize is an unparalleled celebration of drawing technique and innovation. Presented by the National Art School in partnership with the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, the biennial prize explores the enduring importance of drawing within contemporary art practice.
The National Art School and the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation invite artists to submit entries in competition for the Dobell Drawing Prize #23.
The $30,000 acquisitive prize will be awarded at the opening of the finalists’ exhibition at NAS Gallery on 30 March 2023.
To be eligible for selection, artists must read the terms and conditions of entry (on the NAS website) and complete the steps in the online entry form below.
Entries close 5pm, Monday 29 August.
Entries open
9am, Wednesday 29 June 2022
Entries close
5pm, Monday 29 August 2022
Finalists announced
Monday 21 November 2022
Exhibition opening and winner announcement
Thursday 30 March 2023
Exhibition closes
Saturday 10 June 2023
26 Mar - 22 May 2021

National Art School
2021
DOBELL DRAWING PRIZE #22
The National Art School and the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation invites artists to submit entries in competition for the Dobell Drawing Prize #22. The $30,000 acquisitive prize will be awarded at the opening of the finalists’ exhibition at NAS Gallery on 25 March 2021. To be eligible for selection, artists must read the terms and conditions of entry and complete the steps in the online entry form below. Entries close 5pm, Monday 5 October.
28 Mar - 25 May 2019

Installation view of Dobell Drawing Prize #21. Photo: Peter Morgan

Winner of Dobell Drawing Prize #21 Justine Varga, Photo: Peter Morgan.
Comments from the Judge’s:
“Drawing is a fundamental part of many visual art practices. The winner of the Dobell Drawing Prize #21 uses drawing in the most meaningful and sophisticated way. Her work is a distillation of so many components of our collective lives. Drawing plays a pivotal role in this artist’s exploration of us all. The winning work is a powerful, playful and sophisticated 21st century drawing and a deserved winner.”
2019
DOBELL DRAWING PRIZE #21
The exhibition showcases the finalists’ artworks across a broad range of media that acknowledges the foundational principals of drawing, while also encouraging challenging and expansive approaches to drawing.
National Art School envisions the Prize as a platform for the celebration and examination of current drawing practices. The Prize builds on the energy of both emerging artists who make art through drawing, while also celebrating innovation and technical skill of experienced artists.
REVIEWS
Dobell drawing prize 2019: exploring with light and long shadows – in pictures
Media
- Dobell Drawing Prize #22. 26 June to 14 August 2022 22-06-2022
- ArtsHub: New National Drawing Centre Brings Australia in line with Global Trend 08-11-2020
- THE ART NEWSPAPER: Sydney bucks trend for marginalisation of drawing at art schools with new National Centre for Drawing 21-10-2020
- The Australian: Dobell Spirit Lingers in a Different Medium 08-04-2019
- National Art School resurrects drawing prize in honour of William Dobell 07-05-2018
- Press Release. Dobell Drawing Prize to be presented at the NAS from 2019 07-05-2018
- Radio Interview concerning the Dobell Drawing Prize Exhibition Tour of NSW and ACT 26-09-2014